mani/pedi | Young Wifey's Blog

Tags

DIY, DIY beauty, mani/pedi, nail polish, nails, pedicure, spa

I love, love, love pedicures. Last time I got one, the pedicurist told me that my feet were in the best shape she’s ever seen on a client and that I must get pedicures often. The truth was, up until then I only got a pedi once a year at the beginning of sandal season. The rest of the year, I did my own. Here are my step by step tips for a spa pedicure.

DIY Spa Pedicure

DIY Spa Pedicure Materials:
2 small basins, two small towels, epsom salts or foot soak, nail polish remover, cotton pads, toenail clippers, nail file, stainless steel cuticle pusher, cuticle remover gel, pumice, callus remover gel, anti-bacterial soap, clay mask, lotion or oil, toe separators, rubbing alcohol, base coat, top coat, nail polish

Step 1: Set-up
Gather all materials before you start. Place a towel in one basin and fill with very hot water. Fill second basin with hot water and add bath salts or foot soak. Remove any remaining nail polish from toes.

Step 2: Trim
Cut nails and file to desired length and shape. Carefully scrape under nail. I like to keep my toenails as short as possible.

Step 3: Soak
Place feet in basin with salts/soak. Soak feet for about 15 minutes.

Step 4: Cuticles
Remove feet and blot dry. Apply cuticle gel to cuticles and allow to sit for about 30 seconds. Use cuticle scraper and push back cuticles. Return feet to basin and wash with soap. Some people cut their cuticles, but you really should just push them back and remove only the extra dead skin.

Step 5: Calluses
Apply callus remover to any tough parts on your feet (heels, ball, bottom of toes, etc…). Allow to sit for 5 minutes. Wet pumice and scrub feet until calluses are smooth. Rinse pumice and feet as needed. Use soap to carefully clean feet and rinse with clean water. I’ve tried almost every product tool on the market and love Mr. Pumice’s Purple Pumi Bar the best.

Step 6: Mask
Slather clay mask on top of feet and on lower legs. Remove towel from hot water and wring excess water from towel. Place towel over legs to steam. Once towel has cooled, use towel to wipe off all clay.

Step 7: Moisturize
Massage lotion or oil on feet and legs. I usually use vitamin E oil. Use rubbing alcohol and cotton pad to remove any lotion from toenails.

Step 8: Paint
Apply one coat of base coat, allowing to dry completely. Apply 1-2 coats of color, allowing to dry between coats. If you want to add stripes/flower/patterns add them now. Once polish is completely dry, add top coat. Prop your feet up and relax while nail polish dries completely. I’ve never been one for bold hues (I have very pale skin) on my tootsies, and in fact, I rarely venture beyond the neutral French pedicure.

Step 9: Clean-up
Wash pumice with warm water and set aside to dry. Wipe cuticle scraper with rubbing alcohol and allow to dry. Spray foot basin with bleach, allow to sit for a few minutes, then rinse clean and dry. Launder towels. Store all pedicure items in basin, so they’re easy to set-up next time.